The first two teams in each of the six groups will advance to the Final Round, as well as the four best third-place teams.

While success in Group F won't depend on just one player but an entire team, the Czechs' chances of making the trip to Slovenia are undoubtedly much better if Jan Vesely is with the team.

The 22-year-old, who returned to Europe on Tuesday after completing his rookie campaign in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, spoke with reporters about his first season in America and said that he plans to meet with the national team boss next week.

"I've got meetings with coach Pavel Budinsky," Vesely said.

"Everything is under discussion.

"My participation in the national team is not excluded.

"However, the priority remains for me to have the best preparation for next season."